The protesters demanded that Advani, 85, allow Modi to assume a greater role in the party.

"We have gathered outside Advaniji's residence to request him to give full support to Narendra Modi to become the next prime minister," said Shiv Kumar, a protester from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh.

A police officer said: "No one was detained, after protesting for about half-an-hour they dispersed."

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Prakash Javadekar told reporters in Goa's capital Panaji, where the three-day party conclave started Friday, that Advani will miss the party's entire national executive meeting due to "ill-health".

Advani's absence comes amid reports that the he was upset about a decision to make Modi the head of the 2014 general election campaign committee.

The former deputy prime minister had suggested the formation of two campaign committees, one for the upcoming assembly elections in five states this year-end, led by Modi, and another for the 2014 general elections.

A final decision on who will spearhead the party's campaign in the general elections is expected to be announced Sunday.

Advani, along with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, led the formation of the BJP, the successor of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, in 1980.

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